FDA Issues Alert on Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers that 57 cases of salmonellosis may be associated with food purchased at deli counters contained in Sheetz Gas Station locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia  July 2-9, 2004.

The agency is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, other state and county agencies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the cause and scope of the problem. At this time no product has been implicated and the investigation is continuing.

Salmonella is an organism which causes serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Sheetz is a mid-Atlantic chain of gas stations with deli take-out sections. Sheetz stores are located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio, often along interstate highways.

Individuals who believe they may have experienced the same symptoms of illness after consuming food from this company are urged to contact their local health department. FDA will keep consumers abreast of the investigation as information becomes available.

Source: FDA